Week 21 is upon us after the midweek Coppa Italia matches and promises to be a ket weekend for all the Scudetto challengers. Inter have a tough test at Udinese, Milan welcome the Zlatan’s party poopers and Napoli go to Bari, who have the potential to cause an upset.

Bari – Napoli

The home side have had a haphazard season so far, not helped by a plethora of injuries to key players. But there were signs of a recovery against Juventus though they still need to find some composure in the final third. Napoli though are having the season of their lives, however a goalless draw with Fiorentina last week did not help their cause, a spirited Partenopei resumed business in the Coppa Italia in midweek.

Bologna – Lazio

With points penalties a plenty the Felsinei are flirting with a relegation battle, so a contest against on of the title challengers could not come at a worse time, especially after last weeks drubbing at Inter. However, a second half tactical switch by Alberto Malesani did see Bologna mount more of a challenge to Inter’s supremacy, they were well and truly undone at the San SIro. Lazio could have new signing Giuseppe Sculli available for the game, but having dropped eight points in the last four matches, form is not with Edy Reja’s side.

Chievo – Genoa

The Flying Donkeys haven’t won a match since the end of November and although they have picked up a good number of draws they are still in with a chance of being sucked into a relegation battle unless things don’t change soon. Genoa are level on points with Chievo and also desperately need a win. Coach Davide Ballardini is already under pressure and it might be we see the return of Gian Piero Gasperini to the Marassi before long if things don’t pick up.

Fiorentina – Lecce

One word can describe La Viola’s draw at the San Paolo last week… Solid. They managed to stay tight as a unit and defended well against an in form Napoli side. More likely to make the news for off field issues it seems Sinisa Mihajlovic’s team may just have turned the corner, but how many times have we said that this season. The last two weeks have seen a victory over Lazio and a draw with Milan, so confidence will be high with Lecce who seemed doomed to relegation not so long ago.

Milan – Cesena

Remember Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s debut? That 2-0 win has undoubtedly been the highlight in Serie A for Cesena who have looked a changed side since the break. Though luck isn’t on their side as last week an 89th minute own goal prevented them from snatching a draw with Roma. The Serie A leaders though are feeling the pressure after dropping four points in the last two games. But we could see Antonio Cassano in the starting eleven with Zlatan for the first time in Serie A.

Palermo – Brescia

Sliding down the table after a collapse in Sardinia last weekend, the Rosanero need to find form and quickly otherwise we will hear some more gems from President Maurizio Zamparini, following his ‘put referees in prison’ jibe last week. In their defence Palermo do have a striker crisis with transfer listed Massimo Maccarone the only fit forward at the moment. Brescia managed a key victory over Parma last week, but will be without suspended Alessandro Diamanti for this weekend’s game, though Davide Lanzafame is likely to start.

Parma – Catania

Serie A’s newest coach Diego Simeone makes his debut on the Catania bench at the weekend after Marco Giampaolo fell out with the directors and was let go on Wednesday. Catania have lost five out of the last eight and are in the relegation mix, so a win in Parma is vital, but will be a big ask as they haven’t won on the road yet this season. Parma are once again in need of a result after two defeats on the trot pulled them right back into relegation mire.

Roma – Cagliari

In Sardinia earlier this season Roma were humiliated 5-1 by Cagliari, so they will be hoping to restore some pride as the Isolani make their way to the capital. The Giallorossi are in good form, winning five out of the last six in all competitions including a Rome Derby. Donadoni’s side have been earning admirers across the peninsula for their no hold barred style, which has earned them two wins on the bounce. Were we all too quick to judge The Don?

Sampdoria – Juventus

The return to Samp for Gigi Del Neri as Juve look for their first away victory since the beginning of December. The Bianconeri will have to do without Felipe Melo who is serving the last match in a three game ban. But the Blucerchiati will be hoping that an energy sapping Coppa match in midweek doesn’t affect them too much. Also, look out for Federico Macheda who is likely to start his first game after scoring in midweek against Udinese.

Udinese – Inter

Expect goals! Of the matches these two have been involved in since the winter break, the average number of goals in each is just less than five. The focus will be on Alexis Sanchez, an apparent Inter target, after some stunning form so far this year. Leonardo has breathed new life into the Nerazzurri since taking the hot seat, winning all of his matches thus far.

David Schiavone